What format should invoice numbers be?
Common formats: INV-001, INV-2025-001, FF-001. Include a prefix for identification, year for easy sorting and a sequential number with leading zeros for consistency.
Do invoice numbers have to be sequential?
In most countries, invoice numbers must be sequential and unique for tax and accounting purposes. Gaps in numbering can raise questions during a tax audit.
Can I reuse invoice numbers?
Never reuse invoice numbers — each must be unique. If you void or cancel an invoice, mark it as void in your records and continue with the next sequential number.
What if I issued invoices out of order?
Invoice numbers should be issued in chronological order. If you made an error, create a credit note for the incorrect invoice and issue a new correctly numbered invoice.